Conclusions
This investigation concludes a geo-ecological post natal cranial signal
in small African Pangolin ontogeny from three geographical locations in
Nigeria. Based on sampled population results we confirm directional
asymmetry (DA) in SAP skulls with right side biased ‘handedness, a mild
to moderate fluctuating asymmetry (FA) exist in the species population
evaluated irrespective of location. It was observed that there is strong
foramen magnum outline shape consistency and developmental stability
devoid of congenital malformations such as dorsal and ventral notches
with less likelihood of neurological disorders. The findings of this
study revealed the peculiar skull morphology and intraspecific
morphotypes present in Nigeria, it further demonstrated developmental
fragility in the species with a view to formulate conservatory and
preservation policies for its protection. Finally, evolutionary pattern
in SAP as shown in the study showed its relation to dynamic
developmental phenotypes in different environments and worthy of note in
systematic skull characterization.